129 He, when the lightning-wing'd tornadoes sweep [The Argonauta.] This interesting little animal has perhaps furnished more matter of dispute, a greater diversity of opinion, and, in some instances, more ill will among naturalists than any other subject in the whole range of animated nature; and during a period of more 'than two thousand years, the question is not yet decided, nor apparently nearer being so, whether the animal invariably found in the Argonauta is the architect of that shell, or merely a pirate. As it does not however form any part of the object of this work, to take up the dispute on either side; and as we do not arrogate to ourselves the power of elucidating a matter so involved in doubt, we shall only for our part say, that the animal never having been found in any part of the world living free from the shell, though certainly not conclusive, is good presumptive evidence of its being "the lawful owner of its fairy bark." Whether it should be considered one of the genus Ocythoe, or, as others imagine, Octopanus, it appears to us quite certain, that none but a similarly organized animal could have constructed such a dwelling; an opinion we deem to some extent confirmed by an examination of the mollusc, whose VOL. V.-17 smooth thickened auriform processes on either side FROM WASHINGTON'S ORDERLY BOOK. BIOGRAPHY. PROFESSOR JOHN W. FRANCIS, M. D. by his younger brother, John Warren. Their paths were full of difficulties, but they were men of genius and firmness of purpose, and would not yield to any obstacles thrown in their way. Before these pioneers in their profession were called to depart from the scenes of their labours they saw others, better educated than themselves, filling the chairs of the schools they had founded. This first generation of professors had no ordinary share of fame, when they were living; and their pupils, who now wear their mantles, have, in gratitude and affection, taken no small share of pains to preserve materials for the These materials have WHILE eloquence and mental philosophy, in almost every form had reached a high degree of perfection, and poets had set examples for all coming ages, the healing art had made but slow progress in those branches of science, so important to the profession of medicine. Correct codes of law had been formed, which had, in a good measure, settled the great doctrines of property and personal rights; some of the arts had nearly attained their perfection, nice dis-biographies of their masters. criminations had been suggested in morals, and sub-greatly assisted the Nestor of their profession-the lime views of hope and faith in religion had been venerable Dr. Thacher-in making up his valuable promulgated to the world, before Vesalius had turned volume of the lives of the medical men of America his acute mind to an examination of the human who have been lights in their day, and deserve an frame; and the settlement of this country had com- ample page in our records. menced before Harvey had demonstrated the fact, that the blood circulated in the veins of man. From the earliest ages, human blood had been poured out like water in every battle, but no observer of nature had discovered that it had a regular tide through his own heart. and charlatans once swarmed "creatures," to use the language of Hippocrates, "whom no law can reach and no ignominy disgrace"-respectable physicians now administer to assuage the pains that flesh is heir to, and cure the maladies of the mind. No man of historical information will, for a moment, question the assertion, that there is as good a share of learning, acuteness, and perseverance, in the medical profession in the United States, as in any other walk of life. A noble rivalry has taken place among the medical professors, and youthful aspirants for disThere were, it is true, physicians of antiquity, who tinction are every where found. This emulation not performed wonders in the advancement of medical only abounds in the cities, and large towns, but there knowledge; but their names appear, in the distances is not a village throughout the land, that does not conof time, like pyramids in the desert, grand and im-tain a respectable practitioner of medicine, and often, posing, but of little utility to the world. Many in the same person a good surgeon. Where quacks mighty minds, from Esculapius to Galen, had been brought to bear upon physick and surgery, and ponderous tomes had been written on every branch of the healing art, but the age of inductive philosophy had not come, and nature had only been partially unveiled. The aphorisms, laid down by Hippocrates and others, had been misunderstood, and their prescriptions misapplied. Whatever rays of medical science there were scattered through the world, they had not been concentrated, and but few efforts made to bring them to a focus, until a little more than a century ago, when the eclectic school of medicine was founded in Scotland, which was followed by others in London, France, and other places; yet, in justice it should be stated, that these philosophers of the "House of Wisdom" had lit their lamps in the medical school at Padua. In this university the Greek and Arabic works on medicine had been studied. Prominent among those who have laboured hard for the benefit of mankind, and for the honour and advantage of the healing art, may be ranked PROFESSOR JOHN W. FRANCIS, M. D., a practitioner of medicine in the city of New York-his birth place. He was born in the year 1789-that eventful period of our national history, when the constitution of the United States went into operation. His father, Melchior Francis, was a German from Nuremberg, and known in New York as an enterprising, upright trader in groceries, possessing a very liberal and charitable spirit, whose career of usefulness was suddenly cut short by the yellow fever, which, in those days, often visited the city. The mother of Dr. Francis Much earlier than is generally imagined, the was born in Pennsylvania; her family, by the name accounts of what was doing in the old world were of Sommer, were originally from Berne, Switzerland. promulgated in the new. Soon after the establish- Her children were young when her husband died; ment of these medical schools in Europe, many but she was left in circumstances sufficiently easy to physicians of this country were desirous of drinking give them a good elementary education, which opporat their fountains. Those, who could not cross the tunity, as a good mother, she improved. John was Atlantick themselves, frequently sent their most continued at an English school of no little reputation, promising pupils to drink inspiration from the pure under the charge of the Rev. George Strebeck; but waters, which were rolling from these springs If by particular arrangement he studied the Latin lana fortunate few only enjoyed these privileges, the guage then, for a while; and afterward pursued his number was sufficient to give a new impulse to the classical studies under the charge of the Rev. John profession in this country. Even before the com- Conroy, a distinguished graduate of Trinity college, mencement of the revolution, Rush, Bard, Warren, Dublin By the aid of this excellent scholar he was and Hunter began to collect pupils, and diffuse medi-enabled to enter Columbia college in an advanced cal instruction in their respective circles. The standing. He was graduated in 1809, and in 1812 political struggle, if it suspended their individual received the degree of master of arts. efforts for a while, increased the general knowledge in medicine and surgery throughout the country. After the peace of 1783, they renewed their efforts; the place of General Joseph Warren being supplied While Dr. Francis was an undergraduate, he was pursuing his medical studies with great zeal and success; this was effected by a capacity, an ardour and perseverance, which have marked his whole course of life. He had not only mental energy, but a medica. Shortly after this period, a union was vigorous constitution, which sustained him in intense effected between the medical faculty of Columbia application in the acquisition of knowledge. In 1807 he commenced his professional studies with the late David Hosack, M. D. who was then professor of materia medica and botany, in Columbia college, and among those most extensively engaged in the practice of physick and surgery in New York. Under this distinguished preceptor, Dr. Francis had excellent opportunities of seeing practice. During his attendance on the lectures for four collegiate years he never absented himself from one of them, nor suffered one to pass without making notes or abstracts on the subject taught by the lecturer. His clinical knowledge was also much increased by a constant attendance at the New York Hospital; in fact every moment of his time was engaged; he never looked to society around him for amusement or recreation-finding both in the variety of the subjects under his consideration. About this period, several laws for the greater improvement of medical science were enacted by the legislature of the state of New York. County medical societies had been formed the year before, and promised to be auxiliary in promoting the cause of medical science. "The College of Physicians and Surgeons," under the regents of the university, was organized in 1807. From this institution, in 1811, Dr. Francis received the degree of M. D. This was the first commencement of that body, under the presidency of Dr. Samuel Bard, and the subject of this memoir was the first graduate who recorded his name in the "College Album." Dr. F.'s inaugural thesis for the doctorate was a dissertation on Mercury, embracing its medical history, curative action, and abuse in certain diseases. It was a fine subject, and admirably handled. His researches were extensive, while many of his views were novel and profound; and they have since been confirmed in a manner highly flattering to Dr. Francis, by the philosophical inquiries of British and continental practitioners. The hundred-armed giant, Mercury, in the materia medica, had never been found so discriminating an historian. This production gave him great fame at once, among his fellow graduates and the faculty in general, both in this country and in Europe. It has been repeatedly noticed by different writers in various languages, and maintains its reputation at the present time. Dr. Francis had been in practice a few months only, when his late preceptor proposed to him a copartnership in business. This proposition, from the high standing of his friend, was too flattering to be neglected. This connexion lasted until 1820; since that time Dr. F. has exercised his art on his own responsibility. No man ever reached the head of his profession until he had ventured to act solely for himself. The mind, to attain its utmost energy, must poise itself on its own strength and decision, and take all the consequences of action. We have mentioned the establishment of the College of Physicians and Surgeons, in the city of New York, under the regents of the university. From the organization of the institution, the chairs of every department were filled with men of distinction. Alterations were soon after made in the charter, and Dr. Francis was appointed, by the trustees, a lecturer on the institutes of medicine and the materia college and the "College of Physicians and Surgeons," and Dr. Francis, in 1813, received from the regents the appointment of professor of materia medica. He delivered his first publick course of instruction to a class of one hundred and twenty students, declining all compensation for his services; the consolidation of two schools of medicine into one, brought together so numerous a body of professors, that the price of education was necessarily enhanced to those who wished to attend all the courses of instruction; but Dr. Francis was not among those who sought for pecuniary rewards alone; the flattering manner in which his conduct was estimated, was such a return as he desired for his exertions. About this time he published an Historical Sketch of the college. The students of the new school upon its chartered establishment, had formed themselves into a medical society, like that of Edinburgh, to improve themselves by weekly discussions on medical subjects; the president of this society, which was denominated the Medico-Chirurgical Society was selected from the professors of the college, and for many years Dr. Francis was chosen to preside over it, succeeding in this appointment, the learned Dr. Mitchill. Delighted at the prospect of this rising school, and fairly estimating the intellect of those engaged in in building it up; impressed, at the same time, with the ample resources that the city of New York Jossesses of supporting such an institution, Dr. Francis made up his mind to visit Europe, and to examine all that related to the subject so near his heart. The vision of a medical school, second to none on the American continent, that should, from its superiour advantages, draw together students from all parts of the country, was constantly on his mind. While in London, he became a pupil of the illustrious Abernethy, and witnessed the practice of St. Bartholomew's hospital, attended the lectures of Brand, at the Royal Institution, those of Pearson, of St. George's hospital, etc. etc. Between Abernethy and Francis there sprung up a strong attachment. They possessed the same cast of mind, the same decision of character, the same openness and directness in uttering opinions, and the same scorn of dawdling ceremony and grave pretensions in the healing art. Such was Abernethy's regard for Francis, that he offered him a share of his business, which was then oppressively extensive. The mention of an anecdote, which the American physician has often related, will show that the proud Englishman loved honest fame. Dr. Francis presented Abernethy with an American edition of his own writings, just published as the former left his native shores. Abernethy had not anticipated such a testimonial of his professional merits from the United States, He seized the two volumes, cast his eye over them, and exclaimed, as he placed them on the mantle-piece of his study, "Stay here, John Abernethy, until I remove you. Egad! this from America!" From England, Dr. Francis went to Scotland, Ireland, France, and Holland. With an eager curiosity, he examined all that was rare and prominent in these countries. His letters gave him access to all the savans and literati, wherever he travelled. In Scotland he shared the liberality of the groat profes nutely within the writer's knowledge; but, whatever they may have been, the friends of medical science must have deplored the event. The regents, while they accepted the resignation of that old established faculty, bear testimony to their able and faithful services, in the discharge of their duties; and in their extensive report on the institution drawn up after the fullest personal inquiries and published in the legislative journals of the state, triumphantly acquit them of every charge which ignorance, envy or malice had preferred against them. sors, in their schools, which had been proverbially by the professors of the medical school, are not miextended to all who come to drink of the wells of knowledge, which they have, by their sagacity and industry sunk, to produce healing waters for the benefit of mankind. Here, too, he listened to the eloquent and classical lectures on practical medicine by Dr. James Gregory, and witnessed the early experiments of the philosophick Brewster, in his private study, on the polarization of light. In Dublin, he was received with true Irish cordiality, and found in the anatomical preparations of McCartney, specimens which rival even those of Hunter. In France, he found the 'sweetest courtesy. With Denon, he viewed, in his cabinet, and in those institutions under his care, all that was magnificent in the arts. With such a guide, he could not mistake what was worthy of examination. Gall displayed to him the rich materials of his collections, on which he founded his system of craniology; while the "Jardin des Plantes" under the direction of M. Thouin gave him new new ardour for a knowledge of the wonders of creation. With Cuvier he noticed that which was more intimately connected with his own profession. Such a mind as Cuvier's, so full, so holy, so abounding in love to God and man, must have imparted a magnetick influence to the minds of others. Dr. Francis is warm in his admiration of those lights of knowledge he every where met in his travels. He went forth to learn, to gather up matters worth preserving; and a mind so disciplined to receive information, treasures it with wonderful facility. The amount of a year's labour is almost incalculable. The mind, on such an adventure, plucks gems "of purest ray serene," with all the avidity of Aladdin in the wizard's cavern, after securing the lamp of the genii in his bosom. Dr. Francis was enamoured with the learned men he met in different countries; but his political affections were wedded to his own, and in the midst of his admiration of European learning, he was still a republican. It must be evident that the faithful discharge of duties in teachers, when the respective departments were so repeatedly changed, must have required the exercise of much labour and trouble. The professor had hardly engaged in one branch, with means to teach, before he was transferred to another. Nothing daunted with his task, while remembering the maxim of the Grecian philosopher-"the gods sell all things to industry" he put off or put on the harness of his chair, without any complaint, and in every department proved his merits by the number of his pupils, and by the satisfaction and gratification they constantly expressed in regard to their teacher. The school, with these professors, was second to none in merit in the United States; more than two hundred and fifty students now attended it and it was inferior in numbers only to that of Philadelphia, notwithstanding that the singularly formed constitution of the college was, from its foundation, unfriendly to its proper developement and advancement. The celebrity of the professors was such as to command students from every part of the Union; and these wherever scattered, have borne testimony to the talents, intelligence and zeal of their instructers. Soon after the resignation of the professors of the College of Physicians and Surgeons, a majority of them founded and organized chairs in Rutgers' college. In the place of Professor Post, the chair of anatomy and physiology was filled by the late disUpon his return, he brought out with him a curious tinguished Dr. Godman, who at the instance and on and valuable library, collected with taste and judg- the responsibility of Professor Francis, left Philadelment, which has ever since been open to those who phia for a larger sphere of usefulness and profit. are engaged in writing any thing to enlighten the They erected a most convenient building for their publick, and in proof of the esteem in which he is purposes, and entered on their respective duties with held by the scholars and literary men of this country, spirit, and continued their exertions for four terms. we will merely mention the fact, that no less than A great number of pupils flocked to their school; thirty works upon the various departments of science but there were such difficulties thrown in their way and polite literature have been inscribed to him. by legislative enactments, particularly by the revised When he reached New York, he found that the chair statutes of the state, that although sustained by of materia medica had been added to that of chym- nearly one hundred and fifty pupils, the faculty gave istry; but he was at once appointed by the regents up their school. Dr. Francis partook largely both to that of the institutes of medicine. In the year in the labour and losses of this undertaking, and the 1817, Dr. Francis in connexion with his other duties, latter were of no small amount. Every friend and filled the chair of medical jurisprudence, which patron of sound practical medicine now admits that had become vacant by the death of Dr. Stringham. the interests of medical learning received a severe In 1819, by reason of the resignation of a professor, another change became necessary; the professorship of the institutes was added to that of the practice of medicine, and the regents appointed Dr. Francis professor of obstetrics, with his former branch, medical jurisprudence. These chairs he held until 1826, when he resigned, at the same time with Doctors Hosack, Mott, Macneven, and Mitchill; Dr. Post, had given up the professorship of anatomy and also the presidency of the college, a short time previous. The causes, which led to the course pursued shock by the abandonment of this school; nor have its enemies derived the advantage they expected. from its destruction. In this institution Dr. Francis was professor of obstetrics and legal medicine; and his success was very flattering. In amount of pupils, his classes in both colleges were second only to those of anatomy, which always commands the greatest number of pupils in every well-arranged medical school. The close relationship which exists between many parts of the physiological portion of a course of instruc His letter on febrile contagion, dated in tion on midwifery, with numerous topicks discussed | waters. in forensick medicine, enabled the professor to en- London, June, 1816, addressed to Dr. Hosack, conlarge, with practical advantage to his auditors. The tains an exposition of the views of certain British professor had a rich museum, to illustrate his various writers on the insusceptibility of the constitution to and learned disquisitions. In Dr. Francis's third a second attack of yellow fever. This curious fact edition of Denman's midwifery, a large amount of concerning the disease, which was pretty fairly defacts and opinions on the obstetrick art and medical monstrated by various writers of Great Britain and jurisprudence, may be found. His history of the the West Indies, received additional confirmation art, from the time of the ancients to that of the from Dr. Francis, from the investigation which this latest writers on the subject, has received the appro- letter brought to light, by American physicians, who bation of the most erudite and practical. He had had observed the pestilence in different parts of the devoted from four to six hours a day to private and United States. Other sources might be referred to, publick instruction, for many years, and at the same as proving the great value of Dr. Francis's clinical time had been engaged in the labours of practice. opinions on the nature and treatment of different The number of students under his care, while he diseases. His reflections on the peculiar character was connected with the institutions above-named of scarlet fever with his admirable and highly sucwas, probably, greater than that of any other profes- cessful mode of treating this formidable and fatal sor in New York. He now made up his mind to disorder, with many observations on other diseases confine himself to practice alone, refusing to engage may be seen in the new and greatly improved edition in private or publick instruction. of "Good's Study of Medicine" edited by Dr. A. Sidney Doane of New York, a book which gives a better view of the opinions of American physicians, on disease, than is to be found in any other work. Even an extensive practice and the duties of instruction did not absorb all the time he devoted to labour; for his pen had a share of his attention. Before he received his medical doctorate, while a student, he united with his preceptor, Dr. Hosack, and issued a prospectus for a new medical journal; it was called the "American Medical and Philosophical Register." The work was continued to four volumes. It was filled almost entirely with original materials, and contains a large amount of information on medical subjects. After the completion of the fourth volume, the editors assumed the responsibility of the work, and announced their names. This journal has been held in high consideration, and is often referred to for matters of deep interest or curious inquiry. Dr. Francis, in conjunction with the late Dr. Dyckman and Dr. Beck, was for some time editor of the New York Medical and Physical Journal, which they projected; he continued as one of the editors until the termination of the third volume. This work contains a number of his medical observations and records: it has ceased to exist. Dr. Francis has written papers in many different medical and scientifick journals in the United States, on subjects connected with his profession; among the most prominent of these, and of a practical nature, are his observations on the use of vitriolick emeticks in croup, with details of cases, in which this novel remedy was effective, after the formation of the adventitious membrane lining the trachea; also, remarks on the goitre, as it prevails in the western part of New York, and elsewhere, drawn from his tour of observation in 1823; on sanguinaria Canadensis; cases of morbid anatomy referred to in Otto's "Hanbuch der pathologischen anatomie; facts and inferences in medical jurisprudence; on phlegmasia dolens; on elaterium, and the croton oil; to which potent agents he was the first, in this country, who invited the attention of practitioners. He gained great credit for a paper on the successful treatment of cases of ichthyosis. The last tract which we have seen from his pen, is one on the mineral waters of Avon in Livingston county, New York, which he recommends as possessing valuable medicinal properties for several physical infirmities; his views of which have been confirmed by the testimony of hundreds who have found health in the Dr. Francis was not only distinguished in the chair of medical jurisprudence for collecting a mass of facts, and arranging them in a clear and satisfactory manner, and for explaining them to the comprehension of his humblest pupils, but for the promptness of his expositions when called upon in courts of eriminal jurisdiction. During his whole professorship, and almost ever since, in every case which involved a principle of medical jurisprudence, he has been present; his opinions have seldom been controverted, and never overthrown. He was in attendance for the municipal authorities, in these courts; but his integrity was above all bias, and it was seldom that the advocate of the accused summoned any other medical man. In the opinion of the writer of this article, no branch of science taught in our schools requires more careful investigation, or greater acuteness and strength of mind, than that of medical jurisprudence. Comparative views and analogical reasonings, so often important in decisions of less responsibility, are of little service in juridical medicine. To obviate these difficulties, Dr Francis invariably availed himself of the information which the morbid anatomy and pathological investigation of the case afforded. There is not a middle aged lawyer in the country whose memory does not furnish him with cases of gross injustice done in criminal trials, by reason of defective medical jurisprudence. A sagacious advo cate, thinking that he is justified, in favour of human life, to entangle the physician, if he can, bends all his strength to the object, and not unfrequently succeeds in throwing him into a state of confusion. In cases of supposed death by poison, the most contradictory opinions have been given by medical men on the stand. The doings of death are, indeed, singular; and it is difficult for the wisest physician, at all times, to decide upon the causes of a sudden and unexpected instance of the extinction of human life; and how can a common observer among the faculty tell whether it was accident, violence, or the natural winding up of the machine so fearfully and wonderfully made, or from suicidal frenzy, that "the silver cord of life was loosed, or the golden bowl broken, or the pitcher broken at the fountain." |